Vehicles

Empire CLS CEO Tells Why He Prefers Lincoln MKT Town Car

Empire CLS CEO David Seelinger cites an expanded luggage area and rear seat comforts as distinct advantages that led him to select the 2013 Lincoln MKT Town Car as his primary fleet vehicle choice going forward.

TORRANCE, Calif. --- An LCT Magazine cover story to be released next week features Empire CLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services CEO David Seelinger detailing his future fleet plans to replace his Lincoln Town Car Executive L sedans with the next generation Lincoln MKT Town Car.

Seelinger’s leadership on the MKT Town Car will reverberate throughout the chauffeured transportation industry as much of Empire’s vast affiliate network — estimated to number thousands of fleet vehicles in the 20 largest metro areas — likely will pick up the cue and buy MKT Town Cars to seamlessly accommodate farm-in clients.

Seelinger cited several reasons for his evolved view of the MKT Town Car: He’s had a chance to drive it, his clients like it, and the vehicle he originally planned to use as a replacement, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, a crossover-styled vehicle shaped much like the MKT, was discontinued this year for the U.S. market.

“We bought much of the R-Class; it was a beautiful car, but it did not have a livery program and it’s not sold in the U.S. anymore,” Seelinger said. “We were impressed with the [MKT] Town Car. The livery package is very attractive. I don’t know mechanically how it will hold up [yet], but most Ford products hold up well.”

Seelinger praised the partially reclining rear seats in the MKT Town Car, rear center console controls that exceed those on the Executive L sedan, GPS capability and technology advances, and the overall interior comfort. “When we bought the [first] MKT, we took it to clients and they said it looked sharp on the inside, so we said it will be our staple now.”

Seelinger said he also realized the strong, longstanding business relationship between his company and Lincoln would continue to be an advantage in choosing the MKT Town Car. He always has valued the open communication with Ford Fleet Limousine & Livery Vehicles about resolving any issues or problems with vehicles. Empire CLS is a warranty shop for Ford/Lincoln so it is authorized to do all of its maintenance on Lincoln vehicles in-house according to official OEM specs.